Travel info & useful tips_ethiopia

TRAVEL INFO & USEFUL TIPS VISA REQUIREMENTS Visa applications may be obtained at Ethiopia's diplomatic missions overseas. Ethiopian embassies may charge a fee for visas, and usually require an onward air ticket, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate and proof of sufficient funds. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia. Malaria is endemic in some parts of low land areas. Visitors should begin taking a recommended chloroquine-based prophylactic two weeks before their arrival and continue taking them for six weeks after their departure. In addition, medication for chloroquine-resistant malaria is a wise precaution. Medical facilities are improving and quite a number of public and private medical centres (open 24h/7) are available in Addis Ababa. CUSTOMS Duty-free import are permitted for up to: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 1/2 lb of tobacco, 1 litre of alcoholic beverages, two bottles of perfume. Visitors may export souvenirs with a value not exceeding Birr 500, although some articles (such as animal skins and antiques) require an export permit. CURRENCY The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr made up of 100 cents. Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign currency, providing declaration of such currency is made to customs on arrival. Foreign currency may be changed only at authorized banks and hotels. The currency declaration form must be retained, as this will be required by customs on departure. Visitors, however, will be able to change back any excess Ethiopian Birr to foreign currency at the airport before departure. CLIMATE There are two main seasons: the dry season from October through May and the wet season from June to September. Climate is typically very mild to cold, with temperatures on the wide-ranging highlands averaging below 20°C. The heaviest rains traditionally start falling in June, so it is advised to have appropriate clothes and umbrella. CALENDAR Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which consists of twelve months of thirty days each and a thirteenth month of five days (six days in a leap year). The calendar is seven years and eight months behind the Western (Gregorian) calendar. TIME Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 hours time zone (three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time). Time remains constant throughout the year. The Ethiopian day is calculated in a manner similar to many equatorial countries, counting starts at Western 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. Western 7.00 a.m. is therefore one o'clock, noon is six, 6.00 p.m. is twelve o'clock midnight, and so on. In Addis Ababa, the sunrise and sunset are at around 06.30 and 18.45 respectively. ELECTRIC SUPPLY / ENERGY Ethiopia uses 220 volts and 50 Hz cycles AC. It is best to bring your own round, two-prong adapter and transformer if necessary. COMMUNICATIONS Internet Services (Dial up) and Broadband network (WiFi) are available at every Hotel & Guesthouse and many Internet Cafes are available in the city. Since last March, Ethio telecom has launched the 3G high-speed Internet service offering 3G dongle and 3G WiFi router. Prepaid mobile phone SIM card can either be rented at the hotel or buy at any EthioTelcom offices providing 2 photos and a copy of passport. Source: http://www.tourismethiopia.gov.et/

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